[Band Performance] Recommended Songs to Liven Up Year-End and New Year Parties [2025]
When the season for year-end and New Year parties approaches, choosing an act can be a headache.
If you’re in a band, showcasing a band performance is definitely an option.
But when you consider things like the age range of the crowd and what suits your skill level, ideas don’t always come easily.
If you’re going to perform, you want everyone to get excited, right?
In this article, we’ve gathered cover band songs that are guaranteed to liven up any party act or performance.
We’ve focused on widely known hits across generations and winter-themed tracks, so please use this as a reference!
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[Band Performance] Recommended Songs to Energize Year-End and New Year Parties [2025] (71–80)
powder snowRemioromen
As a winter song performed by a domestic band, this is such a classic that you could say there’s no better choice.
It also became an insert song for the drama “1 Litre of Tears,” giving it tremendous recognition across a wide range of ages.
Its dramatic structure, with deliberate shifts in tempo and intensity, is sure to move listeners and leave a deep impression.
The especially powerful chorus, which releases all the tension built up to that point in one burst, will resonate even more in a live performance.
The vocal part is quite challenging, but if there’s a confident male vocalist in your group, definitely give it a try!
cherry (cherry fruit; sakuranbo)Ai Otsuka
This is the second single by singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka, who has won a wide range of fans with her catchy tunes and cute vocals.
The song was used as the opening theme for the music program COUNT DOWN TV, and it’s also known for putting Ai Otsuka on the map in the J-pop scene.
Its bright, poppy phrases and melody make everyone want to sing along, making it perfect for year-end and New Year parties.
Thanks to its high recognition, it’s a number that everyone can get excited about together.
Invisible ManTokyo Incidents
This is the song “Tomei Ningen” (Invisible Man) by Tokyo Jihen, a band hugely popular with both men and women.
The track was used in a NONIO commercial.
Even people who didn’t experience its peak popularity in real time can get excited with this song.
If you do a mixed-gender band cover, it’ll boost the cool factor and make for a great year-end party memory.
If you’re confident in your instrument skills, why not give it a try?
that bandcable tie
Kessoku Band is a group that appears in the TV anime BOCCHI THE ROCK!, yet has gained popularity thanks to the high quality of their music.
Their digital-only single Anobando, also included on their first album Kessoku Band, is the track featured within episode 8 of the anime.
It features funky guitar cutting, a surging bassline, and an off-beat, driving drum rhythm—techniques that are tricky to lock in as a band, so be sure to practice thoroughly.
It’s a cool, aggressive rock tune that’s sure to hype up year-end and New Year parties alike.
Winter skySonic Line
Otosok Line is a two-piece rock band that puts a strong emphasis on live performances and works with a fixed lineup of support members.
“Fuyu no Sora” (Winter Sky), included on their indie-era mini-album Utakata, features sentimental lyrics that vividly evoke wintry scenes, just as the title suggests.
Its straightforward rock ensemble is easy for bands to cover and would fit perfectly with the atmosphere of year-end and New Year parties.
It’s an emotional winter song with a transparent sound and lyrical melody that draws you in.
A town where it snowsUnicorn
Speaking of the rock band Unicorn, active since the 1980s, they’re famous as the band fronted by Tamio Okuda, right? People in the manager-age generation in particular are probably familiar with them.
And when it comes to their year-end song, it has to be this one.
It’s a comfortable track with a laid-back performance and lyrics that are so characteristic of Tamio Okuda’s relaxed style.
When there are lots of people gathered, it can be hard to play an intense rock tune, but with this song, you can present it in an easygoing way.
You and the slopesSHISHAMO
SHISHAMO is a three-piece girls’ band that has gained support for lyrics that depict down-to-earth, relatable scenes and for songs that are catchy yet somehow tinged with ennui.
“Kimi to Gelende,” included on their third album SHISHAMO 3, was chosen as the ending theme for the sports information program Kyo-Spo.
Its ensemble, featuring exhilarating guitar sounds, is perfect as entertainment for winter events.
However, because the performance is quite tight, be sure the band as a whole doesn’t get loose.